The Sharjah Center for Learning Disabilities has successfully concluded its national awareness campaign for 2025, an initiative that spanned four months from September to December. The campaign made significant strides in fostering both community and institutional awareness about learning difficulties. It effectively established concepts of “technical empowerment and actual inclusion” through a comprehensive series of programs and activities that reached various emirates across the UAE. The initiative aimed to empower educational institutions and government entities with the latest global practices, providing them with standardized diagnostic tools that enhance the quality of services offered to individuals with learning disabilities.
Intensive Engagements and Field Visits
The campaign witnessed remarkable momentum and engagement, marked by 20 field visits that targeted a selection of prestigious governmental bodies and educational institutions. The center’s delegation successfully fostered direct communication with decision-makers and technical experts in these organizations, allowing for the exchange of experiences and the implementation of practical initiatives. Notably, the campaign engaged with diverse sectors, including legislative bodies, higher education, social services, and primary education, reflecting the center’s holistic vision in addressing learning disabilities from all angles.
Geographical Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
In line with its geographical expansion strategy aimed at reaching all segments of society, the campaign’s outreach covered a wide area, including the emirates of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. The center commenced its tour with high-level visits to the Sharjah Consultative Council and the Sharjah Municipality, aiming to integrate supportive policies for individuals with learning disabilities into governmental and service frameworks. Furthermore, efforts extended to the academic sector through intensive visits to the University of Sharjah, Al Dhaid University, and Kalba University, as well as the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah and Fujairah, focusing on creating a university environment that is more inclusive and accommodating to students’ needs.
A Comprehensive System for Diagnosis and Empowerment
Dr. Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Center for Learning Disabilities, affirmed that the successful conclusion of the campaign strengthens the center’s mission. She highlighted the effectiveness of the field visits, which included workshops that introduced the “SNAP” program as a reference tool for early diagnosis. The tours aimed to raise awareness in leading social and educational institutions, such as the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation and the Social Services Department in Al Batayeh and Al Jarnaih, alongside the Zayed Higher Organization in Abu Dhabi and Kanaf Center. These engagements demonstrated the localization of standardized assessment tools, enabling personnel to accurately and professionally identify initial indicators of learning disabilities.
Practical Applications in Education
With a focus on school education and early childhood development, the campaign emphasized hands-on engagement in educational institutions. Activities included visits to Suhailah Nursery in Sharjah, Al Sidra School in Kalba, and the Emirates Private School in Bani Yas, where the “Learning Disabilities Simulation Lab” was activated. This initiative allowed teachers and administrators to experience interactive simulations of the challenges faced by students. The visits also featured innovative sessions that integrated movement with learning, equipping educational staff with practical strategies to enhance students’ academic performance and create a supportive learning environment.
The campaign generated considerable media attention, notably through the center’s active participation in the “International Government Communication Forum,” where specialized discussion sessions took place. This event saw the launch of the “Learning Disabilities Podcast,” a sustainable audio platform aimed at raising awareness. Additionally, new figures associated with the center were introduced during awareness tours to better explain concepts to younger audiences, complemented by a symbolic event in collaboration with the House of Wisdom, which involved lighting a monument in orange in conjunction with ADHD Awareness Month.
This campaign exemplified an integrated partnership model, featuring collaboration among government entities and community stakeholders. Key partners included the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah Social Services Authority, the Sharjah Education Academy, and the Ministry of Family Affairs. The initiative also enjoyed significant support from private sector sponsors, such as the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Cooperative Society, Sharjah Media City, and Dragon Oil.